Uma Kalkar

Uma Kalkar is a technologist serving as a Policy Advisor in the Strategic Foresight Unit at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), seconded through the Centre for AI Governance (GovAI) in Oxford, UK. She focuses on global risks associated with emerging technologies such as AI and biotechnology, to promote democratic governance and international cooperation.

Uma's contributions to responsible technology have been recognised by institutions including the Aspen Institute, Forbes, and the Stanford d.school. In 2020, she relaunched 18by Vote, a U.S. nonprofit dedicated to engaging young voters. To date, 18by Vote has reached over 2.5 million people and has been featured in media including The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.

Uma majored in Peace, Conflict and Justice studies at University College, which inspired her exploration of the intersection between technology and global development.

Uma holds a Master of Public Policy in Digital and New Technology from the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po) and a Master of Global Affairs in Innovation Policy from the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto.